The New Orleans Hornets say they had a fruitful first day of training camp in preparation for the upcoming season, as well as Sunday afternoon's exhibition opener in Mexico City, Mexico against the Orlando Magic.

Hoopsworld: There seems to be some concern in Oklahoma City that the Thunder will be able to lock up the services of top sixth man James Harden with a contract entension before the deadline at month's end. The Thunder has spent a great deal of money on extensions for their key players, and some wonder if there will be enough remaining to satisfy Harden. The bearded one, however, thinks everything will be done soon.

New York Post: Why the New York Knicks are still going after a 38-year-old forward who has been out of the game for a couple of years is still a mystery, but there's no agreement yet between Rasheed Wallace and the team, the newspaper reports. The deal, however, appears to be closer.

San Antonio Express-News: In this era, it's difficult to find a player who remains loyal to his first professional team, with all the money most of these clubs throw at superstars. Not the case with San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan. Last year, Duncan proclaimed himself "a Spur for life" which, he says, angered his agent, but made Spurs fans enormously happy. He took a pay cut to stay in San Antonio.

Houston Chronicle: The Houston Rockets opened their training camp in McAllen, Texas, and rookie Royce White was nowhere to be found. White, the Rockets' No. 1 draft choice, has a history of anxiety disorders. He was not in attendance at the team's media day gathering on Monday and did not accompany the club to McAllen. GM Daryl Morey wouldn't comment on the player's absence and Coach Kevin McHale said he "had no idea" when White might show up.